- Other signs that may indicate skin cancer
- 1. Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer
- 2. Melanoma skin cancer
- When to go to the doctor
- How skin cancer is diagnosed and treated
To identify signs that may indicate the development of skin cancer, there is an exam, called ABCD, which is done by observing the characteristics of spots and spots to check for signs that correspond to cancer. The characteristics observed are:
- Asymmetry of the lesion: if half of the lesion observed is different from the other, it may be indicative of cancer; Irregular edge: when the outline of the sign, paints or stains are not smooth; Color: if the sign, paint or stain has different colors, such as black, brown and red; Diameter: if the sign, paint or stain has a diameter greater than 6 mm.
These characteristics can be observed at home, and help to identify possible skin cancer lesions, but the diagnosis should always be made by a doctor. So, when you have a stain, paint or sign with these characteristics it is recommended to make an appointment with the dermatologist.
The best way to identify any change in the skin is to observe the entire body, including the back, behind the ears, head and also the soles of the feet, about 1-2 times a year, facing the mirror. Irregular stains, signs or spots, which change in size, shape or color, or for wounds that do not heal for more than 1 month should be looked for.
A good option, to facilitate the examination, is to ask someone to observe all your skin, especially the hair leather, for example, and to photograph the biggest signs to observe its evolution over time. See how the dermatological exam is done.
Other signs that may indicate skin cancer
Although most skin cancer cases have the previous characteristics, there are other signs that can also indicate the development of cancer. These signs vary according to the type of cancer and can be:
1. Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer
Signs of non-melanoma skin cancer can be:
- Small sore or lump on the skin, white, reddish or pink, which can cause itching; Sore or lump on the skin, which grows quickly and forms a scab, accompanied by secretion and itching; Wound that does not heal and bleeds for several weeks Wart that grows.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two types of non-melanoma cancer, more frequent, less severe and easier to cure. However, squamous cell carcinoma, when diagnosed at an advanced stage, in certain cases can spread to other organs of the body. Learn more about basal cell carcinoma.
2. Melanoma skin cancer
The symptoms of melanoma can be a dark spot or mark on the skin, with irregular edges, accompanied by symptoms such as itching and peeling skin.
Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer of all, and can cause changes in an existing sign, such as an increase in its size and a change in its color or shape. The main cause of melanoma is prolonged exposure to the sun, hence the importance of using sunscreen daily and avoid being exposed to the sun for a long time. See what melanoma is and how to treat it.
When to go to the doctor
You should go to the dermatologist whenever you notice changes in a sign, paint or stain. In most cases, a sign with changes is not cancer and in these situations, the doctor may order periodic consultations to see if there have been changes in the skin, or may even choose to remove the sign surgically, to prevent the cancer from developing.
How skin cancer is diagnosed and treated
The diagnosis of skin cancer is made by a dermatologist or oncologist, who makes a specific and detailed analysis of the sign, paint or stain using a special magnifying glass, through the ABCD exam, analyzing the shape, size, color and diameter of the paint, sign or stain. At the end of this examination, if the doctor has suspicions of skin cancer, he may order further tests, such as biopsy of the lesion, for example. However, if the change is not cancer, the doctor may indicate other precautions for the treatment of the injury, such as pills or ointments, for example.
The treatment of skin cancer depends on the type of cancer and the state of the cancer, and may include surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. In addition, the sooner skin cancer treatment begins, the greater the chance of a cure. See how the treatment for skin cancer can be done.
